Jessica May, M.D.

Meet Dr. May

Pediatric Nose Surgery and Congenital Breast Disorder Specialist at UT Southwestern

Dr. May is a skilled plastic surgeon with extensive experience in pediatric care, especially nasal reconstruction and surgeries for congenital breast disorders such as Poland syndrome. She studied for years with some of the world’s top reconstructive surgeons, including UT Southwestern’s own James Thornton, MD, making her one of the most prolific nasal surgeons at UTSW.

Dr. May’s meticulous nature makes her the ideal candidate to tackle tough pediatric procedures such as rhinoplasty and breast surgery.

“The amount of thought that needs to go into it to set everything up for success is kind of tremendous,” she says. “It’s something you need to be very methodical about.”

Pediatric Cleft Rhinoplasty and Nasal Reconstruction Expertise

Cleft rhinoplasty – nasal surgery to correct deformities associated with a cleft lip or palate – is typically performed on teenage patients, when facial growth is nearly complete and the nose can be repaired with minimal surgeries.

“Cleft care is probably the most common procedure we perform in our practice,” Dr. May says.

Although cleft surgeries make up the majority of pediatric rhinoplasty surgeries at UTSW, Dr. May and her team are also well-versed in nose surgeries and reconstructions due to trauma, such as dog bites or car accidents. These types of surgeries vary in their technique and scope – some reconstructions can be performed with local tissue, while others require more in-depth free tissue transfers or regional tissue transfers.

Pediatric rhinoplasty is a particular area of focus for Dr. May because it marries her technical expertise with the art of plastic surgery.

“It’s kind of a perfect combination of functional surgery meets aesthetic surgery,” she says. “It’s extremely challenging to make something that’s both beautiful and looks like a nose but also functions like a nose. It has the potential to make such an impact on someone’s life.”

Congenital Breast Disorder Expertise from a Skilled Pediatric Breast Specialist

Another area of expertise for Dr. May is in congenital breast disorders, including Poland syndrome, severe asymmetry, absence of breasts or breast structures, and excessive breast development (macromastia). Because of the variance that occurs in these conditions, pediatric breast surgeons like Dr. May have to take a completely patient-centric approach to treatment.

“These are nonstandard, unique conditions,” Dr. May says. “Every patient’s needs are different.”

She is currently heading up the construction of a pediatric breast center to provide treatment and build awareness about these conditions.

Innovative Techniques for Specialized Results

Through her years of experience and working with some of the best specialists in her field, Dr. May has cultivated a unique, tailored approach to the most complex reconstructions: She uses 3D modeling to help her visualize the end results. This hands-on spatial methodology helps her conceptualize the defect, design tissue flaps, and develop the most fitting solution.

With her analytical mindset and highly personalized patient treatment plans, Dr. May plays a key role in advancing the pediatric plastic surgery department at UT Southwestern.